Dallas Cowboys

Player News - Cowboys

The Dallas Morning News' David Moore expects the Cowboys to place the franchise tag on DE DeMarcus Lawrence.

Moore says the "goal" is to reach a long-term deal, but it is unlikely that happens before the March 6 deadline to apply the tag. Using the tag will give Dallas more time to negotiate, but it also guarantees Lawrence around $17.5 million for 2018, a number which could make long-term negotiations tricky. Lawrence exploded for 14.5 sacks in his contract year.

Jones was primarily a corner as a rookie, but he moved to safety late in that season and has been there ever since. He struggled a bit when moved into more of a strong safety role last season, however, so it might make more sense for the Cowboys to take advantage of his coverage ability at corner, especially if they move on from Orlando Scandrick. In addition to his position, the Cowboys will have to decide whether or not to pick up Jones' fifth-year option this offseason.

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said that one of their top priorities is to re-sign free agent LB Anthony Hitchens.

The 25-year old had his best season in 2017, making 12 starts and receiving really strong marks from PFF for his run defense across 544 snaps. Dallas would love to keep him, but the Colts are fully expected to be in on Hitchens after his position coach in Dallas, Matt Eberflus, was hired as the Colts' new DC.

"I would imagine that they're probably not just letting us get to free agency and leave Dallas," said David Canter. "Whatever that number ends up being remains to be seen. But I do imagine and believe that we'll have multiple conversations over the next month or so." Canter compared Lawrence to one of his other clients, Olivier Vernon, who landed a five-year, $85 million contract when he hit the market in 2016. The Cowboys will sit down with Lawrence's representation at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, which begins on February 28.

Switzer had a scope to remove bone spurs. This shouldn't impact his status for the start of OTAs. Switzer was limited to special teams as a rookie but would be in the mix for a slot role if Dallas moves on from Cole Beasley ($3.5M salary).

Bryant's on-field performance clearly declined in 2017, and EVP Stephen Jones recently called Dez a "distraction" for his sideline antics. The Morning News' David Moore and Jon Machota predicted Bryant will return after taking a pay cut, and colleague Brandon George said the Cowboys believe new WRs coach Sanjay Lal plus scheme changes will help Bryant improve. Fellow Cowboys reporter Kate Hairopoulos didn't make a prediction in the four-writer poll.

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said Dez Bryant "needs to understand" his behavior on the sideline affects his teammates.

Jones made news by calling Bryant's outbursts a "distraction" earlier this week, but he is not interested in walking those comments back. "I think he needs to understand that it’s not something that’s just affecting him," Jones said. "It does affect his teammates." Jerry Jones said the team plans to keep Bryant around, but Stephen has struck a less welcoming tone. Bryant is set to earn $12.5 million next season.

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said the team wants to avoid using the franchise tag on impending free agent DE DeMarcus Lawrence.

"Our first goal is to sign him to a long-term deal, obviously," Jones said. "To me, the only reason you use a franchise tag is to hopefully protect yourself if you can’t get a long-term deal signed that you like." A second-round pick in 2014, Lawrence recorded eight sacks as a sophomore and exploded for 14.5 in 2017, but he has already undergone two back surgeries in his short career, a history which could complicate long-term negotiations. It will cost Dallas over $17 million to tag Lawrence.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said coach Jason Garrett won't be on the hot seat going into next season.

"It’s fair for you to ask," said Jones Tuesday while attending a practice session for the upcoming Senior Bowl. "But he’s not on my hot seat." Jones continue to voice his confidence in Garrett despite that Dallas has only made the postseason twice in his seven-year tenure. With Ezekiel Elliott suspended for most of the second half, the Cowboys slumped to a 9-7 record in 2017, down from 13-3 a year earlier.

Speaking at the Senior Bowl on Tuesday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the team has no plans to move on from Dez Bryant.

Jones said he expects Bryant to return in 2018, though he didn't say if the Cowboys would ask him to take a pay cut. Bryant has failed to reach 1,000 yards receiving or double-digit touchdowns in his last three seasons and led the league with 12 dropped passes in 2017. Jones' son, Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones, has also suggested that Bryant's behavior on the sidelines has become a "distraction." As it stands now, the 29-year-old will earn $12.5 million next season.

He's replacing Wade Wilson (the coach, not the comic book character known as Deadpool), who was let go shortly after the Cowboys wrapped up their season. Moore spent part of last season as the Cowboys' No. 3 quarterback before later announcing his retirement. The 29-year-old will work with Jason Garrett to get the most out of Dak Prescott.

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said Dez Bryant's behavior on the sidelines "can be a distraction."

In addition to his behavior, Jones questioned Bryant's fit with Dak Prescott and his place on the team. "The chemistry between Dak and Dez is different between Tony (Romo) and Dez. ... It hasn’t hit on all cylinders on how the connection works. It’s a work in progress," Jones said. "And we just have to really get our hands around, when you put all the full body of work together, where that's headed." Owed $12.5 million and coming off one of his least productive seasons, Dez was by no means a lock to return, but these comments make it seem like Dallas is seriously considering a divorce. Of course, Jones also might be trying to soften up Bryant before asking him to take a pay cut, an idea Dez shot down in December. Cutting Bryant would save the Cowboys $8.5 million against the cap but leave them with nothing resembling a No. 1 receiver.